57+ Incredible Bathroom Remodeling Ideas You Need Now

BATHROOM REMODEL IDEAS – A few things all old house lovers are familiar with: Drafty windows, less-than-perfect plumbing, squeaky floors—and small bathrooms. While new home baths have nearly doubled in size over the past 30 years, old home bathrooms average about 5- by 8-feet.

Not to worry, though: You can combat the claustrophobia by scaling down to physically save space. (Pedestal sink, anyone?) And, with the right colors and lighting, you can create the illusion of a roomy bath.

Incredible Bathroom Remodeling Ideas You Need Now

Here, we dig into the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition archives to deliver great ideas from Certified Kitchen Designers that you can use in your next small bathroom remodel.

1. Glass Grandeur

Source: thisoldhouse.com

A curved glass countertop provides a sense of spaciousness, while hand-applied 1-inch Bizazza glass tiles mimic the swooping curves of the fixtures. The high ceiling features a deep amethyst color wash to visually lower the height of the room, which felt “like a tunnel” to the homeowners.

2. Compact Commode

Source: thisoldhouse.com

This teeny, tiny full bath features a wall-hung toilet; the tank is hidden inside the 2×6 stud wall, allowing for 9 inches of extra space in the center of the room. Clear glass shower doors eliminate visual barriers and a skylight floods the space with natural light.

3. Modern Makeover

Source: thisoldhouse.com

This vanity continues the lesson of creating a bold focal point in a small space. The upper walls of this ultra-feminine retreat are upholstered in padded silk, but the stainless steel backsplash adds a rugged accent.

4. Tone and Texture

Source: thisoldhouse.com

It’s not uncommon to create attention-commanding focal points in compact spaces. This powder room vanity is crafted with smooth, flaxen veneer and is topped with a cast bronze basin and patina counter. Recessed lighting around the large mirror illuminates any reflection.

5. Hacienda-Style Bath

Source: thisoldhouse.com

This guest bath features a custom miniature sideboard topped with a rich red travertine counter and copper vessel sink. Rich shower draperies and handmade tiles add to the charm of this space, showing that patterns used selectively as accents will not overwhelm a small room.

6. Small Spa Retreat

Source: thisoldhouse.com

This small bathroom remodel was constrained by bedrooms on either side, so it wasn’t possible to increase square footage. To make the space feel roomier, white marble tile and several mirrored surfaces wrap the room. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets add height, while a glass shower wall eliminates the visual barrier of a shower curtain or doors. Rich wood tones add warmth and create balance.

7. Zen Escape

Source: thisoldhouse.com

The size of this room called attention to an eyesore: an off-center, aluminum-framed window. A floor-to-ceiling Shoji screen took care of that by concealing the flaw, while letting light through. A 7-foot framed mirror, hung horizontally, spans the entire length of the room and reflects the ladder towel rack, which adds storage without taking up floor space.

8. Small and Simple

Source: thisoldhouse.com

These homeowners wanted to “keep it simple and do it well.” This cherry and limestone bath replaced a tiny, cluttered space meant for guest use. The curved-front vanity maximizes usable space with two deep drawers on double extension drawer slides.

9. His-and-Her Bath

Source: thisoldhouse.com

The use of continuing horizontal lines, a large, frameless mirror, and well-placed task lighting helps to create the illusion of a larger space. The marble-clad dividing wall lends modesty to the toilet area, while creating a recessed storage opportunity. A must in every small bath, the shower has a curbless entry to eliminate demarcation of the limited footprint.

10. Day at the Beach

Source: thisoldhouse.com

These homeowners opened up their space by getting rid of two small closets and adding task and ambient lighting to help create the illusion of a larger room. Little width remained after incorporating the tub and toilet, so a shallow cabinet was incorporated. Our favorite detail? The playful “dry riverbed” of stones in the floor.

11. Rich, Asian-Inspired Design

Source: thisoldhouse.com

This homeowner wanted to bring her home out of the 1980s with contemporary Asian design, so the powder room vanity was inspired by a Japanese kaidantansu (stepped chest), which contributes fluidity of design in the cramped quarters. The use of rich and dark colors makes the walls of the small space recede.

12. Sponge-Painted and Outdated

Source: countryliving.com

An old toilet and vanity mixed with heavy sponge-painted walls made this bathroom a prime makeover candidate.

13. Gorgeous Gray

Source: countryliving.com

The homeowner steered clear of major plumbing work by keeping the room’s layout the same. Moroccan cement floor tiles, from Artesana Interiors, almost read like a fine rug. Ditching the sponge-painted effect for Nemo’s penny tiles delivered the biggest impact space-wise. The homeowner also swapped out the dated vanity for a classic Kohler pedestal sink; an efficient commode by Toto replaced the old water-wasting toilet. A custom medicine cabinet hangs in the powder room, along with a towel rack from Moon River Chattel.

14. Basic and Bland

Source: countryliving.com

Orange walls and an odd layout made this New York farmhouse’s bathroom unwelcoming and uncomfortable.

15. Vintage Farmhouse Vibes

Source: countryliving.com

Antique sconces and a vintage tub bring back a sense of history to the space.

16. Cramped Tub

Source: countryliving.com

The builder-grade tub insert in this rustic mountain home was too small to actually enjoy.

17. Luxurious Shower

Source: countryliving.com

Removing the tiny tub made way for an extra-large shower space. The ceiling-mounted curtain (a custom cotton panel with a waterproof liner) creates the illusion of higher ceilings.

18. Relaxed Traditional Bathroom Design

Source: lowes.com

To get this designer look, mix marble countertops, furniture-style cabinetry, and paneled wainscoting with mirror frames and flooring that look like weathered wood. Choose fixtures, faucets, lighting, and hardware that incorporate sleek tweaks into traditional lines and shapes.

19. Transformed Tub

Source: lowes.com

Give your tub alcove a custom look by adding a paneled side and a tiled wall niche, both doable DIY projects. Marble tiles on the tub surround add to the high-end look.

20. Black-and-White Bathroom Makeovers

Source: lowes.com

Create a bold new bath with these stylish design ideas, in classic black and white.

21. Modern Makeover

Source: lowes.com

Enhance storage with a new vanity. Brushed metal finishes complement the marble countertop and vinyl flooring. Durable Sherwin Williams paint in Naval contrasts nicely with the white border in this bathroom.

22. Refresh and Relax

Source: lowes.com

For a relaxing, spa-feel in your bathroom, install pebble floor tile inside of a curbless shower and a rain showerhead.

24. Stylish Surround

A basic tub surround is transformed with tile. Here, a strip of blue herringbone mosaic tile makes its way along the bathroom wall and into the tub surround for a fresh look.

25. Mini Makeover

Source: lowes.com

This builder-grade bath vanity gets a new life with a fresh coat of paint and new cabinet pulls. An updated vanity top, sink, and faucet complete the look.

26. Metal Mosaic

Source: freshome.com

A combination of mirror, glass and metallic mosaic tile add sparkle to these bathroom walls

27. Metallic Subway Tiles

Source: freshome.com

Take the classic look of subway tile and make it modern in a metallic finish

28. Textured Metallic Tiles

Source: freshome.com

These metal tiles give the wall a three dimensional effect

29. Midas Touch Bathroom Tiles

Source: freshome.com

Metallic tiles don’t have to be silver. Try gold or other colors, too.

30. A Bright Bathroom

Source: freshome.com

This bathroom has many elements that make it bright including skylights and layers of lighting

31. Tribal Chic

Source: freshome.com

A textured, Ikat floor tile in a graphic pattern create a modern tribal look

32. Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

Source: freshome.com

The diamond pattern stone floors add texture and interest to this bathroom

33. Graphic Tile Floor

Source: freshome.com

The bold, graphic tile floor of this bathroom anchors the room

34. Stone And Herringbone

Source: freshome.com

The herringbone pattern on this floor looks modern, thanks to the use of stone

35. Chevron And On And On

Source: freshome.com

This remodel took the bold chevron floor pattern and continued it to the shower floor

36. Curve And Flow

Source: freshome.com

Flowing lines repeat on the ceiling and walls

37. Curved Tile Wall

Source: freshome.com

The homeowner created an intimate space out of an oversized bathroom with a curved wall

38. Integrated Sink

Source: freshome.com

A marble integrated sink with faucets built into the backsplash

39. Lighting Effect

Source: freshome.com

LEDs are user friendly and can be used to create color and pattern anywhere

40. Lit Vanity

Source: freshome.com

The soft glow cast from this mirror is great for skin tone

41. Floating Concrete Vanity

Source: freshome.com

This floating vanity has integrated sinks and a storage shelf for towels

42. A Shower Oasis

Source: freshome.com

This open-air shower is perfect for enjoying a beautiful day

43. A Room With A View

Source: freshome.com

If a wall isn’t possible, an oversized window or two creates the outdoor/indoor effect

44. Salvaged Sophistication

Source: bhg.com

A long media cabinet becomes the perfect base for a trough sink while providing plenty of additional counter space. Glass-front sliding doors on this DIY bathroom vanity make for grab-and-go storage with style.

45. Budget Makeover

Source: bhg.com

This old cabinet used to function as a dining room buffet but now works perfectly as a double-sink vanity. Center drawers were removed for easy-access storage. Soothing aqua-blue paint coats the base, while the original stained top was kept intact.

46. Smart Modifications

Source: bhg.com

If a stock vanity is too large for your small bathroom, look to local retailers for a wood table. This weathered, painted piece resembles a pricey European design with its aged patina, open shelving, and X-detail sides. Have a contractor install a wall-mount faucet and recess plumbing pipes into the wall so the mechanicals don’t show.

47. Easy Update

Source: bhg.com

Give an existing off-the-shelf vanity a shot of Vitamin C with glossy yellow paint and decoupaged doors. Handmade paper in a trendy ikat pattern adds easy DIY sophistication to the cabinet doors. Cut the paper to size and apply with decoupage medium and a foam paintbrush.

48. Small But Mighty

Source: bhg.com

Combine a purchased cabinet base with a birch plywood countertop for a customized vanity that fits even the smallest of spaces. This DIY countertop’s curved shape allows the door to open into the room while squeezing in more storage. A vessel sink and cylindrical faucet found on clearance modernize the look while sticking to a budget.

49. Wooded Wonder

Source: bhg.com

Often tucked away and short on square footage, the powder room is an understated space that’s relatively easy to revamp. This reclaimed pine desk boasts a modest bowl sink and wall-mount faucet for plenty of counter space. Open shelving underneath creates an ideal spot for baskets to hold extra towels and toiletries.

50. Instant Upgrade

Source: bhg.com

Refresh a basic oak cabinet by removing the hardware, sanding the wood, and finishing it with primer and a high-gloss paint. New hardware and a fresh faucet complete this colorful vanity makeover.

51. Glamorous Allure

Source: bhg.com

Save money and inject some personality into your bath by converting an existing dresser into a custom vanity. For a peaceful primping experience, layer a white traditional dresser against crisp white walls. A custom countertop with a fitted sink and faucet change the furniture piece’s function, while a faux center drawer hides plumbing.

52. Dresser Do-Over

Source: bhg.com

Repurposing is an inexpensive way to update your home. This old bedroom dresser was painted blue for modern cottage style. The furniture piece offers extra storage and easy customization. Keep the existing surface or add a stone countertop, and install a simple sink bowl.

53. Boot Strap Towel Rack

Source: bhg.com

Add an industrial vibe to your modern and minimalist bathroom vanity with a DIY towel bar. Affix leather straps to your vanity drawer that loop around a waterproof towel rod. This adds a personal and practical touch to your bathroom vanity.

54. Regal and Red

Source: bhg.com

This elegant vanity was sanded, primed, and painted red to achieve an eye-catching look. A white vessel sink continues the neutral bathroom color scheme, while an off-center faucet emphasizes its originality.

55. Desk Vanity

Source: bhg.com

Construct a sink vanity from a desktop and two adjustable-height desk legs. Use a cleat to secure the back of the desktop to the wall. Cut holes in the desktop for the faucet and drain with a hole saw, and secure a towel bar to the underside to keep towels handy and hide sink pipes. For easy-access storage, screw two 10-inch-deep wall shelves together to form an L, paint them, and add casters.

56. Cottage Creation

Source: bhg.com

Refinish an antique table to serve as a sturdy but stylish bathroom vanity. Classic vessel sinks and bridge faucets complete this clean and simple cottage look.

57. Traditional Taste

Source: bhg.com

Traditional with a twist, this bathroom pairs a period-appropriate desk base with a custom countertop and backsplash. The elegant DIY vanity easily mingles with furnishings of both now and then, fine and found.